THE man shot dead by police on the steps of Guildford Cathedral had suffered from manic depression, his family have said.

David Sycamore, 39, of Southway, Guildford, was killed on Sunday afternoon by officers responding to reports of an armed man in the area.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Monday concluded that Mr Sycamore died as a result of being shot in the chest. He also suffered a second gunshot wound to his right arm.

A weapon recovered from the scene has been sent off for ballistic testing.

Four firearms officers have been taken off operational firearms duties but have not been suspended.

Mr Sycamore’s family have spoken of their "great shock" at the loss of a "loving and caring young man".

A statement issued through the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said: "In his short life David has suffered with manic depression, which we believe he coped with, with extreme difficulties at times.

“David found solace in the grounds of the cathedral and said it brought him inner peace and closer to God. Unfortunately that day he did not find inner peace.

"His intentions were never to harm anybody. He would never do this. But sadly the only loss was David and who will be sorely missed.”